Nine persons, including a police officer, have been killed in a renewed attack by suspected herders in the Agatu Local Government Area of Benue State.
A source told Channels Television that the attackers invaded Okwutanobe, Okpokpolo, Olegagbani, and Ikpele – all four communities along the border with Kogi State – and were seen last weekend in the area attacking the communities up to Tuesday.
He said, “The attacks started last Friday at Okwutanobe, where two people were killed, on Saturday, they attacked Okpokpolo and killed one person.
“Yesterday, Monday, the armed herders invaded Olegagbani, where they killed one person; today, the same armed herders attacked Ikpele, where they killed one police officer and four people. As we speak, people are fleeing their homes.”
The Chairman of Agatu LGA, Melvin Ejeh, confirmed the three-day attacks.
Ejeh said, “I can confirm to you that four people were killed in Okwitanobe, Okpokpolo, and Olegugbani while five people, including a police officer, were killed in Ikpele today.”
The chairman, who lauded security operatives in the council for their response to contain the attacks, however, noted that the terrain, which is unmotorable, poses a serious challenge to the security operatives in the discharge of their duties.
He said, “You know the roads in Agatu are bad, even when the security men receive distress calls, it can take them up to four hours to navigate some areas due to the bad terrain. By then, the armed herders would have wreaked havoc and left.”
The Benue State Police Command Public Relations Officer, Udeme Edet, could not confirm the attack as of the time of this report. He, however, promised to get back to Channels Television about the incident.
President Bola Tinubu has congratulated three Nigerian students, Nafisa Aminu, Rukayya Fema, and Hadiza Kalli, for their outstanding performance at the 2025 TeenEagle Global competition in London, United Kingdom.
In a statement issued on Tuesday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President described the trio as “exceptional young Nigerians” who have made the country proud by emerging world champions in English language communication skills and debate.
“Seventeen-year-old Nafisa was named the overall best in English language skills; 15-year-old Rukayya emerged as the overall best in debate, while Hadiza clinched the Outstanding Talent Award (gold medal),” the statement noted.
President Tinubu praised their brilliance and affirmed that “the nation’s future is much brighter with many of its youth as repositories of excellence”.
He further commended their institutions of learning, describing their achievements as a pointer to the potential of Nigeria’s education system to nurture some of the world’s brightest minds.
The President reiterated his administration’s commitment to improving access to education, citing the establishment of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) as a key initiative aimed at removing financial barriers for underprivileged Nigerians seeking higher education.
The President’s congratulatory message came after a former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Isa Pantami, on Tuesday urged the Federal Government to reward Nafisa Aminu for her exceptional international feat.
Nafisa, a student of Nigerian Tulip International College (NTIC) in Yobe State, outperformed over 20,000 participants from 69 countries, including native English-speaking nations, to win the overall best in English at the TeenEagle Global Finals.
Pantami had, via a post on his official X handle, recommended that Nafisa be rewarded with $100,000, a three-bedroom flat, and a national honour similar to the package given to Nigeria’s victorious female football and basketball teams, the Super Falcons and D’Tigress.
He also called for a similar reward for her English teacher, emphasising the need to celebrate both talent and mentorship.
Mr. Lawrence AwiloAttitoe, Vice Chairman of the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) in Ho has dismissed reports of a 20 per cent transport fare increase as false and unauthorised.
In an interview with the Ghana News Agency (GNA), Mr. Attitoe stated that no transport union, including the GPRTU, has approved any fare adjustment.
He emphasised that the Ghana Road Transport Coordinating Council (GRTCC) lacks the authority to unilaterally declare fare increases.
His remarks follow a GRTCC press release signed by its General Secretary, Mr. Emmanuel Ohene-Yeboah and Acting Chairman, AlhajiTanko, announcing a 20 per cent fare hike, effective Friday, August 8, 2025.
“That directive should be disregarded. No driver union is implementing any fare increase,” Mr. Attitoe stressed.
He said GPRTU’s national office confirmed that no meeting had been held to consider or approve the proposed increase and insisted that decisions on fare adjustments are made collectively by driver unions, not the GRTCC.
“The GRTCC does not speak for us. We consult among ourselves and with the Minister for Transport before any adjustment,” he explained.
Mr. Attitoe added that the Automatic Adjustment Formula, which previously guided fare reviews, was abolished by the former government, making consensus and consultation essential.
He acknowledged the impact of the recent GH₵1.00 per litre fuel levy but urged patience, expressing hope that commodity prices would fall rather than prompting fare hikes.
He also warned that any union implementing the proposed hike would face legal consequences.
Meanwhile, the GRTCC has justified the fare increase, citing rising operational costs due to the new fuel levy, lack of price reductions in spare parts, and worsening road conditions that have escalated vehicle maintenance expenses.
Governor of BoG, Dr. Johnson Pandit Asiama addressing the gathering at the lecture
The Governor of the Bank of Ghana, Dr. Johnson Pandit Asiama, has pledged to push average lending rates below 10% before the end of his tenure, describing it as both a personal and institutional commitment to Ghana’s economic transformation.
Addressing the gathering during the Inaugural Lecture of the Bank of Ghana Chair in Finance and Economics, held at the University of Ghana on August 5, 2025 Dr. Asiama declared that “before I leave office, we will see average lending rates not more than 10 percent.
“This is not just a target; it is a necessity if we are to unlock growth, support enterprises and deliver inclusive development.”
Dignatries present at the lecture in a group photograph
The Governor noted that the Ghanaian financial system has grown too dependent on government securities, with commercial banks investing over GH¢162 billion in public debt, almost double their gross loans to the private sector.
“This skew toward risk-free assets must be corrected. Banks must re-evaluate their business models. Our financial system must become a catalyst for growth, not a constraint,” he said.
Addressing students, academics and policymakers at the lecture themed: “From Cowries to Crypto: The Long Arc of Monetary Policy in Africa,” Dr.Asiama used the platform to reflect on the evolution of money in Ghana from indigenous barter systems and cowries to modern digital assets.
He emphasised that innovation must be embraced, but with systems that safeguard public trust. “The Ghana Cedi, whether in coin, note or code, must remain a symbol of national confidence and continuity.”
He revealed that the Bank of Ghana had taken decisive steps to regulate Ghana’s digital finance space, including piloting the e-Cedi and finalising licensing frameworks for Virtual Asset Service Providers (VASPs).
“Our fintech sandbox invites innovation, but within a framework that protects both the system and the consumer,” he said.
To ensure Ghana’s monetary policy is future-ready, Dr Asiama announced the Governor’s Future Leaders Fellowship, a strategic mentorship initiative to develop the next generation of Ghanaian economists and policymakers.
“They will return home to build, to lead and to ensure that the next chapter of Ghana’s economic transformation is written by Ghanaians who understand both global dynamics and national aspirations,” he stated.
The Chairperson of the event and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ghana, Prof. Nana Aba AppiahAmfo, praised the launch as a ground-breaking moment in Ghana’s intellectual and policy landscape.
“This Chair is not merely an academic milestone. It is a platform for knowledge that is locally grounded and globally impactful,” she said.
Prof.Amfo stressed the urgent need for African-led research that reflects local contexts, describing imported economic models as often misaligned with Africa’s realities.
“Although they have contributed to stability, they frequently fail to reflect our distinct aspirations and resource base,” she explained.
The Vice-Chancellor also celebrated the appointment of Prof.Yegandi Imhotep Paul Alagidede as the inaugural Chairholder, citing his “visionary outlook rooted in African agency and innovation.”
She called on policymakers, researchers, and students to engage deeply with his proposed ‘Metanomics’ paradigm—an economic framework merging African indigenous logic with tools like blockchain and algorithmic design.
“This initiative aligns with the university’s strategic priorities of impactful research and stronger partnerships. We believe it will inform policy, inspire business leadership, and cultivate a vibrant pipeline of finance and economics professionals,” she said.
Prof. Amfo emphasised that the Chair was not just about funding or research, but about transformation. “Let us acknowledge this partnership as the beginning of a new era of indigenous, globally acclaimed thought leadership in the fields of finance and economics,” she urged.
The District Chief Executive (DCE) for AfigyaKwabre North, Emmanuel Jackson Agumah, on Thursday paid a courtesy call on the Chief of Denase, Nana Boakye Yiadom Atonsah II, sub-chiefs and elders of the community, to seek their advice and support for ongoing development efforts.
The DCE for AfigyaKwabre North emphasised the need for unity among the traditional leaders and residents, noting that such cohesion was essential for the completion of stalled and abandoned projects initiated by the previous administration.
“All I need is unity among us, so I can continue and complete all the abandoned projects,” he said.
Responding to the DCE’s call, Nana Boakye Yiadom Atonsah II described the visit as a meaningful exchange of ideas.
He commended the DCE for his efforts so far and urged the community to rally behind him, describing Agumah as a potential “saviour” of the area.
Highlighting pressing challenges facing Denase, the Chief lamented that a school block funded by GETFund and a 10-unit toilet facility, both initiated nearly five years ago, have been left uncompleted and are deteriorating.
He also appealed for the construction of speed ramps along the Denase-Akom road to reduce road accidents and called for urgent repairs on the road network connecting Akom, Nkwantakese, Pampatia and Esaase to Denase.
Touching on electricity issues, the Chief pointed out frequent power outages caused by the overburdened transformers serving Denase and requested additional electricity poles to extend lighting to Denase and the Akom new site.
Nana Yiadom Atonsah II revealed that he has allocated a vast parcel of land at Akom for the construction of a Senior High School and appealed to the DCE to facilitate action on the project.
He urged the DCE to complete all abandoned projects in the district to complement President Mahama’s reset agenda and vision.
Charles Korankye - CEO of Solomon and Kaasmil Mining Companies
Mr. Charles Korenkye, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of King Solomon and Kaasmil Mining Companies Ltd has petitioned the government through the Ashanti Regional Minister to intervene in a dispute over a mining concession at Tontokrom in the Amansie South District.
He wants the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources to ensure that the concession is returned to his company for peace to prevail.
Mr. Charles Korankye claims he legally acquired theTontokrom concession from the Minerals Commission and operated it since 1990.
He, however, complained that Asanko Gold Company Ltd and the youth of Tontokrom have unlawfully taken over the concession his company acquired legitimately since 1990.
An idle machine at the mining site
According to Mr. Korankye, copies of documents of acquisition from the Minerals Commission, were sent to the Paramount Chief of Manso Nkwanta Traditional area, Nana Bi-Kusi Appiah, the then District Chief Executive, Mr. William Asante Bediako and the Amansie South District Assembly.
He alleged that the concession was taken away by Benvico Mining Company during the previous government for which he has taken legal action against Benvico to reclaim the concession.
The aggrieved miner complained that before the legalities commenced,Benvico sold the concession to another individual, who later sold it to Asanko Gold Company Ltd.
Currently, Asanko Gold Company Ltd and the Tontokrom youth are fighting over the same concession, which belongs to his (Korankye) company with legitimate documents and a license.
Mr. Korankye mentioned that machines belonging to his company are still at the site.
The petition comes after a section of Tontokrom residents engaged Asanko Gold Company in hostilities over the same concession claiming Asanko Gold Company Ltd has deployed military personnel to the area to protect Asanko Mines undera national security initiative led by the Ghana Armed Forces in partnership with the Ghana Chamber of Mines.
The position of the youth is explained in the assurance by the former Deputy Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, George Mireku Duker, that the then government was committed to resolving the dispute between Asanko Gold Company Ltd and the Tontokrom community for a harmonious relationship between the company and the community.
The Minister had also suggested that Asanko Gold Company should consider supporting the affected youth with alternative employment or livelihood support.
Meanwhile, Ashanti Regional Minister, Dr. Amoakohene, has calmed the nerves of the Tontokrom youth and urged them to exercise restraint and allow for peaceful dialogue to resolve the issue.
Mrs. Monica Konnie Mensah - Principal, St. Louis College of Education
St. Louis College of Education in Kumasi has held its 20th Annual Congregation for 581 newly trained teachers constituting the 2023/2024 batch of graduates, the second to complete under the new affiliation with University of Education, Winneba UEW.
The Congregation was under the theme; “Enhancing Students’ Emotional Intelligence, Mental, Health, and Psychosocial Wellbeing: The Role of the Basic School Teacher”.
The Principal of the College, Mrs. Monica Konnie Mensah, disclosed that the celebration marks the academic success of the graduates, as well as the collective effort that has brought the college to this milestone.
She acknowledged the enormous contribution of the College’s Governing Council, Management Team, Academic Board, Central Planning Committee, Staff and Continuing Students for their tireless commitment, guidance and cooperation, stressing that their dedication has been the foundation upon which the graduating class has been built.
The Principal disclosed that their “perseverance, resilience and grace” have brought them this far, noting that they are the true testament of hardwork and determination.
She advised them that their empowerment must not only be an end, but also a bold beginning as their journey continues into the future.
A section of graduands
She expressed the College’s appreciation to the Director of Institute for Teacher Education and Continuing Professional Development (ITECPD) and his team, and the Vice-Chancellor and Pro-Vice-Chancellor of UEW for their invaluable mentorship and support, stressing that their guidance played a key role in helping the College reach an extraordinary milestone.
The Principal urged graduating students to remember to uphold the College’s hallmark of discipline, reverence for God, hard work and dedication, wherever they find themselves in the future, as well as guiding their path.
Ms. Bernice Owusu Tano was adjudged the Overall Best Student (with 3.89 GPA) while 221 students received First Class Honours, with 282 students receiving Second Class Upper, 69 had Second Class Lower and 8 passes.
Prof. Esther Danso-Wiredu, Pro-Vice-Chancellor, UEW disclosed that the achievement of the graduating class marks the culmination of four years of hardwork, sacrifice and determination, which spurred them on to take a step into the next phase of their lives.
Prof. Danso-Wiredu disclosed that the graduands have the responsibility not only to themselves, but also to the nation as a whole, urging them to be innovative in their approach to issues, critical in thinking and ethical in their actions, as well as being compassionate in all endeavours.
The Guest Speaker, Dr Francis Oppong, Ashanti Regional Health Psychiatrist disclosed that the world was changing rapidly, with children growing in environment full of academic pressure, broken homes, social media influence, peer pressure, trauma and abuse, noting that it is no surprise that pupils struggle not only to learn, but even to cook.
Dr. Oppong disclosed that a teacher was more than someone who teaches reading and writing, but is a “mentor, role model and a hero”, noting that the everyday action of a teacher encourages pupil.
He stressed that teachers must listen not hearing, encourage co-operatio, praise purpose and progress, understand pupil, identify pupils “quiet cry” as well as plan the emotional strength, self-esteem and healthy social behaviour” in the lives of each pupil, which depicts how powerful teachers are in the lives of children.
The Regional Health Psychiatrist urged graduands to be abreast of the seven guiding principles as they enter their various classrooms; teach with the heart, be observant; thus changes in behaviour are often silent battles, create an environment where every child feel safe, respected and included.
Dr. Oppong urged basic school teachers to embrace their powerful role, not just as educators of minds, but as “nurturers of souls”, emphasising that empowering emotional intelligence protects pupils’ mental health as well as guiding their psychosocial growth, not only to prepare them(pupils) for examination, but for life.
He advised graduands to teach with “compassion, creativity and courage”, stressing that they(graduands) should make their classrooms, spaces of “hope and healing.”
Richard Ofori Agyemang-Boadi, the Mayor of Kumasi who deputised for the Ashanti Regional Minister assured the College of government’s readiness to provide whatever is required for the development of education in the country as well as the College’s growth and transformation, emphasising government’s commitment in delivering the utmost best.
The Mayor revealed that teacher education was key to the development aspiration and vision of President John Dramani Mahama, stressing that the country will only develop with a “requisite manpower and capacity” in all aspect of endeavours.
The Mayor advised the graduands to take care ofpupilsthat would be placed under their care physically, mentally and spiritually.
The Mayor disclosed that as government begins the path to reset the country in all sphere, the nation as a whole must build the next generation to be responsive to the needs and aspiration of the development goals of Ghana, which begins with teachers.
Akosua Serwaa, the first wife of the late Ghanaian highlife legend Daddy Lumba, has reportedly returned to Germany after briefly mourning her former husband in Ghana.
Daddy Lumba, born Charles Kwadwo Fosu, passed away on Saturday, July 26, 2025, at the Bank Hospital in Cantonments after falling ill at his East Legon residence.
His sudden death shook the nation, as tributes poured in from across the entertainment, political, and cultural spheres.
Following the heartbreaking news, Daddy Lumba’s first wife flew from Germany to mourn her husband.
Akosua Serwaa arrived in Ghana in July 31, 2025. She was welcomed at the Kotoka International Airport by her eldest son, Calvin Kwadwo Fosu, and veteran gospel musician Papa Shee, a close associate of Lumba.
Upon her arrival at the late singer’s home on Friday, August 1, Akosua Serwaa was overcome with emotion.
She was seen visibly heartbroken, weak, and in tears as she entered the home to join family members in mourning the man with whom she shared some of the most significant chapters of his life and career.
Nigerian singer and entrepreneur, MrEazi, has said that marrying a good partner is one of the key principles that can help a man achieve success.
The music star made this known during a recent street interview on MoTalkSuccess, where he spoke candidly about the values and principles that have shaped his personal and professional journey.
When asked about the key to his accomplishments in becoming successful, MrEazi was quick to emphasise the importance of choosing a supportive and good wife.
“Marry a good wife,” he said. “You hear that, guys? Make sure you get your good wife. Straight up.”
The conversation shifted to advice for those under the age of 25. When asked about the behaviours young people should adopt for success, MrEazi highlighted discipline, patience, and a fear of God.
“I’d say, you know, discipline, patience, fear of God. Yeah, yeah, yeah,” he added, stressing these traits as key to personal growth and achievement.
Speaking further, he revealed that one of the biggest challenges he faced in his music career was dealing with doubt and being second-guessed.
“I think just the difficulty of unbelief. When you know you’re being second-guessed, you could turn it into something that drives you as well, he added.
MrEazi also reflected on how his Nigerian roots have influenced his mindset and drive for success.
“If you’re born in Nigeria, most often than not, you have that drive to go get it. And you have that self-belief. I don’t know how to explain it. You just see it in a Nigerian.
“Just, even in the way we walk. Audacity. Yeah, the audacity, that’s it. That Nigerian pride, eh? Maybe it’s in the yerba and soup, you know? Or the Jollof Rice,’ he added.
Ghana will observe the one‑week memorial for music legend Daddy Lumba on 30th August 2025 in Accra, according to an announcement made by his family via DL FM, the late singer’s radio station.
The funeral itself will be held in Kumasi on a date yet to be confirmed.
Daddy Lumba, born Charles Kwadwo Fosu, passed away on 26th July 2025 at the Bank Hospital in Accra after a short illness, aged 60. His death prompted an outpouring of grief across the nation and offers of condolences from public figures, including current and former presidents.
In tribute, the Creative Arts Agency, in collaboration with the Fosu family, organised a national candlelight vigil at Independence Square on 2nd August 2025, running from 6 pm to 10 pm. The vigil coincided with simultaneous tributes in countries including Germany, the United Kingdom, the United States and the Netherlands and even some in other parts of Ghana.
Daddy Lumba’s influence spans almost four decades and over 33 albums. His hits include Theresa, Aben Wo Ha, Ohia Asɛm, Playboy, BiribiGyegye Wo, Seese Wo Se, Woho Kyere, and Awoso. He is widely regarded as one of Ghana’s greatest highlife musicians, earning numerous awards, including multiple Ghana Music Awards, the Legend of Entertainment Award (EMY Africa) in 2018, and a Presidential Grand Medal in 2025.
The one‑week observation on 30th August, 2025 is expected to bring together fans, fellow musicians and industry leaders in celebrating Daddy Lumba’s legacy and influence on Ghanaian music.
The date for the main funeral arrangements in Kumasi will be announced in due course, according to the family.
